King Crimson - Larks' Tongues In Aspic CD - Import

 remastered masterpiece
Having loved this album previously, but disliking the poor audio in the extensive quieter sections, I was anxious to hear the remastered version. It is not just a better recording, but a better version. Comparing side by side with the original release, vinyl and cd, the remastered HCCD is just plain better. There is much more low level detail, so you can hear the amazing subtleties of the performance. They also choose slightly different arrangements in many areas, which bring out the music, in a less lean way.
Submitted by pacificaudiolabs (Orange County California) 
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 1st Studio Album with This Line Up Is Uneven Affair
After first hearing this line up of the band on "Night watch- Live 1973"...this "larks tongues" pales in comparison to either "nightwatch" or "USA". Whereas I feel both of those live albums are incredible performances from start to end, the studio record is inconsistent and does not have enough strong performances to make it essential. All of the tunes but one are given far superior renditions on the two live albums mentioned, and also have better overall sound quality than the "larks tongues" studio recording. The "Red" album comes close to their live power, but it too is inconsistent. The studio efforts by this version of the band seem too cluttered and unfocused with some un-needed and excessive overdubs (with vocals and percussion)which ruin some of the tunes on "Larks" and one of the tunes on "Red". Performed Live the music is given more space to breath.. to appreciate how good Fripp, Wetton, and Bruford really are "USA" and "Nightwatch" are imperative ..these completely dwarf "Larks Tongues" and most of "Red" also. I'd get the box set if it was available. When you consider the vast amount of live material available by this line-up, it's almost as if their studio albums represent an after thought (like the Grateful Dead). If you had to trim it down- The King Crimson records I consider to be absolutely essential are The 1st Album -"In the Court"- (everything after it was not as good until this line up formed), "Nightwatch", and "USA". From my perspective the only purpose "Larks Tongues" serves is to provide a point of reference as to how much the live stuff stomps all over this studio album. Even Fripp himself has said this version of Crimson never made a completely satisfactory studio album. I agree with him. Review by Chris Henrici
Submitted by a reviewer (washington, DC) 
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 Best experimental excursion
The 1973 to 1975 period represents KC's most experimental endeavors. Lark's Tongue, Starless, and Red are all hallmark albums featuring new members Bill Bruford and John Wetton. Lark's tongue is perhaps the most atmospheric of them; the intro is a kalimba! Fripp's guitar work is both melodic and chaotic. Wetton's voice is reminiscent of Greg Lake. Bill Bruford's drums are nice and crisp. Everyone else at the time were structured, and maybe more "hit" oriented. This was improvisational, and meant to take the listener on a journey. So, sit back and prepare yourself!
Submitted by a reviewer (Mount Kisco, NY, USA)
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 Ahead of their time, indeed...
King Crimson has weathered the years better than most of their contemporaries. This album was, in my opinion, the last TRULY GREAT King Crimson album. This album contains some of the most unique music of its era, and even to this day, there is nothing that really sounds like this music. this is a definite "must have" for any Rock music collection.
Submitted by a reviewer (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
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